Kathryn Duccini reviewing a trust document at her office desk with the Dubuque courthouse visible through the window behind her

Attorney at Law — Dubuque, Iowa

Guidance forged in Iowa soil, shaped by your story.

Kathryn Duccini serves individuals and families across Iowa with clear counsel in trusts and wills, divorce and legal separation, child custody and support, and criminal defense. When the law feels overwhelming, you deserve an advocate who listens first and fights relentlessly.

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Close-up of hands organizing manila case folders for family law and estate planning on a worn leather desk blotter — Every case folder holds a life in transition. We handle each with the discretion, care, and strategic clarity your future demands.

The Practice

Law is more than procedure. It is the architecture of peace of mind.

At Duccini Law Office, we believe that legal representation should feel human, not institutional. Whether you are protecting your family's future through estate planning, navigating the dissolution of a marriage, or facing a criminal charge, our commitment is to provide you with honest counsel, unwavering advocacy, and a clear path forward.

Practice Areas

Where we stand with you

Four pillars of practice. Each grounded in Iowa law, informed by precedent, and delivered with the personal attention that only a dedicated local attorney can provide.

Trusts & Wills

Estate planning is not about predicting the end of life—it is about protecting the people who outlive you. A well-drafted will ensures your wishes are honored. A trust can shield assets from probate, reduce tax burdens, and provide structured support for minor children or beneficiaries with special needs. We walk you through every instrument, from simple wills to revocable living trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives. When circumstances change—births, deaths, marriage, divorce, asset acquisition—we help you revise your documents so they remain accurate, enforceable, and aligned with your intent.

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Divorce & Legal Separation

divorce or legal separation is one of the most consequential decisions a person can make. The process involves more than dissolving a contract—it encompasses the division of marital property, the allocation of debt, and often, the question of spousal support. Iowa is a no-fault state, which means the court does not require proof of wrongdoing, but that does not mean the process is simple. We guide clients through mediation, settlement negotiations, and litigation when necessary, always with the goal of securing a fair resolution that preserves dignity and protects your long-term financial stability.

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Child Custody & Support

When parents separate, the law places the best interests of the child at the center of every decision. That standard governs custody arrangements, visitation schedules, and child support obligations. We help parents establish initial custody and support orders, modify existing arrangements when circumstances change, and resolve disputes through negotiation or in court. Whether you are seeking primary physical custody, a shared parenting plan, or enforcement of a support order, we work to ensure that your child's welfare and your parental rights are both vigorously protected.

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Criminal Defense

Being charged with a crime—whether a misdemeanor or a felony—is a frightening experience that can threaten your freedom, your reputation, and your future. From the moment you engage our office, we begin building your defense: examining the evidence, challenging unlawful searches and seizures, negotiating with prosecutors, and preparing for trial when a fair plea agreement is not possible. We represent clients facing charges ranging from OWI and drug offenses to theft and assault. The prosecution has vast resources; our job is to level the field and ensure that your constitutional rights are defended at every stage.

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Why Duccini Law Office

Resolute counsel. Relentless care.

We know that hiring an attorney is a decision born of necessity and trust. Here is what distinguishes our approach from the moment you walk through the door.

Guarded Confidentiality

Your story is yours alone. Every consultation is protected by attorney-client privilege, and our office maintains strict confidentiality in all communications, filings, and negotiations.

Timely Responsiveness

Legal matters rarely wait. We return calls promptly, keep you informed of developments, and ensure that deadlines are met without exception.

Plain-Language Counsel

Legal jargon serves no one. We explain your options, the risks, and the likely outcomes in clear, direct terms so you can make informed decisions with confidence.

Local Iowa Experience

Practicing in Dubuque and surrounding communities means knowing the local courts, the judges, and the procedural rhythms that can shape the trajectory of your case.

Kathryn Duccini seated in her wood-paneled conference room, framed by a wall of Iowa legal code books and a vintage brass desk lamp

What to Expect

A partnership, not a transaction

Legal proceedings can feel abstract and intimidating. We work to make the experience transparent, structured, and as stress-free as possible from your very first contact with our office.

During your initial consultation, we listen to your full account, review any documents you provide, and assess the legal landscape. You will leave with a clear understanding of your options, the likely timeline, and the factors that will most influence the outcome.

Initial Consultation: A focused, confidential meeting to evaluate your matter and outline a strategic path forward.
Document Review: Meticulous examination of contracts, court filings, financial records, and other critical paperwork.
Representation: Full advocacy in court hearings, settlement conferences, mediations, and trials.
Filings & Deadlines: Precise preparation and submission of all required legal documents, with strict attention to court deadlines.

Our Philosophy

Built on the bluffs. Rooted in resolve.

Dubuque, Iowa, is a city shaped by river, stone, and the steady labor of generations. That same resilience informs the way we practice law. We do not chase volume or spectacle. We take on cases we believe in, and we see them through with methodical preparation and fierce advocacy.

Kathryn Duccini brings to every matter a belief that legal counsel should empower the client, not mystify them. This means taking time to explain, returning calls, and treating every case—whether a complex trust or a criminal defense—as a partnership built on mutual respect.

"The best legal outcomes come from the hardest conversations—and the willingness to have them honestly."

— Kathryn Duccini

The details matter. Every document, every deadline.

Common Questions

Answers that matter

Clients often have the same concerns when first contacting an attorney. Here are straightforward answers to some of the questions we hear most often.

Do I really need a lawyer for a simple will?

While DIY will kits exist, Iowa law has specific requirements for execution, witnessing, and notarization. A poorly drafted or improperly executed will can be contested, invalidated, or lead to probate complications that cost your estate far more than proper legal preparation. An attorney ensures your document is valid, comprehensive, and tailored to your specific family and financial situation.

How long does an Iowa divorce take?

In Iowa, there is a mandatory 90-day waiting period from the date the original petition is served before a divorce can be finalized. However, contested divorces involving disputes over property, custody, or support often take significantly longer—sometimes six months to a year or more, depending on the complexity and the willingness of both parties to negotiate.

Can a child custody order be modified later?

Yes. Iowa courts allow modification of custody or support orders when there has been a substantial and material change in circumstances since the original order was entered. Examples include a parent relocating, a significant change in income, or concerns about the child's welfare. The party seeking modification bears the burden of proving that the change is in the child's best interests.

What should I do if I am arrested?

Exercise your right to remain silent and request an attorney immediately. Do not answer questions, make statements, or consent to searches without legal counsel present. The actions you take in the first hours after an arrest can profoundly impact the outcome of your case. Contact Duccini Law Office as soon as possible so we can begin protecting your rights.

What happens during a consultation?

We will discuss the facts of your case in a confidential setting, review any relevant documents you bring, and outline the legal options available to you. We will explain the likely timeline, potential costs, and the strategy we recommend. You are under no obligation to hire us, and you will leave with a clearer sense of how to proceed.

How is child support calculated in Iowa?

Iowa uses the Income Shares Model, which estimates the amount parents would have spent on the child if the household had remained intact, then divides that amount between the parents based on their respective incomes. The court also considers health insurance costs, childcare expenses, and the amount of time the child spends with each parent. An attorney can ensure that all relevant factors are accurately presented.

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Request a Consultation

Legal issues rarely improve with delay. Take the first step by scheduling a confidential consultation. We will review your matter, answer your questions, and chart the best path forward together.

+1 (563) 495-5045
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Dubuque, Iowa & Surrounding Areas

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